About Earthplan Design Alternatives, PA (EDA) in Springdale, AR—Trusted Since 1995

James Geurtz, PE, CFM

Principal and Professional Engineer

Experience:

James is the principal of Earthplan Design Alternatives, PA, and he has ten years of experience in the engineering field. With his educational background in biological engineering, James brings a unique and exciting perspective to his projects at EDA. He has experience with hydrological & drainage design, Low Impact Development design (LID), MS4 Administration, and site and utility layout.  He also has experience with construction observation, erosion control practices, and permitting through various authorities, as well as working with clients to produce their vision for the project.

Education:

• B.S. Biological Engineering
• University of Arkansas, 2004

Registrations:

• Professional Engineer #15,162
• Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Storm Water Inspector
• Certified Floodplain Manager – Arkansas #AR-13-00269

Awards:

•  American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers—2003
• ASAE/AGCO Student Design Competition—1st place
  

Sarah Geurtz, PLA

Registered Landscape Architect

Experience:

• Planning, Landscape Architecture, and Horticulture
• Sarah holds a professional landscape architecture license in the state of Arkansas and is part owner of EDA. She has a BA in Landscape Architecture and a complementing BS in Horticulture. With her landscape architecture degree, Sarah worked for 4 years as a planner for Washington County, Arkansas. Through her experience as a planner, Sarah brings valuable knowledge about government review processes, interpreting code, and project review. During her years as a planner, Sarah was responsible for a wide range of project types, which she took from submittal through project completion. She regularly presented her projects to the Planning Board. She handles project management, landscape architecture, and overall project coordination, and her experiences range from subdivision design, commercial site design, landscape architecture, Arkansas-native plant design, bid documents, planning, and enforcement of city ordinances.
• Horticulture & Natives
• Sarah also brings her horticultural knowledge of Arkansas-native woody and herbaceous plants to projects in the form of site-specific plant selections. Her background in horticulture and in Arkansas native flora allows her to design with plant selections that adapt well to the local climate and that thrive in the various soil and drainage conditions specific to each site.
• In addition, Sarah brings an artistic background in hand-drawn and computer-generated illustrations.

Education:

• B.S. Landscape Architecture, Cum Laude, 2010
• University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
• B.S. Turf and Landscape Horticulture, 2001
• University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Registrations:

• Registered Landscape Architect, Arkansas license no. 9831

Professional Affiliations and Awards:

• ASLA Service Award – Treasurer – 2013
  

Chris Pennel

CAD Technician

Chris Pennel brings years of survey experience to his civil engineering position at EDA. He began his career in the civil engineering/surveying field in 2004 and since then has performed as an inspector, surveyor, AutoCAD technician, and civil designer. His past experience on a survey crew and his knowledge of Civil 3D and site design make him a valuable member of EDA’s team. 

Ashley Leahy

Office Manager

Ashley Leahy is EDA’s part-time office manager. She helps to keep the office in order and will likely greet you on the phone or at the door. She helps EDA run smoothly and frees up time for us to get our projects out the door!

Fun fact: at one time she was a whitewater rafting guide!